Etymology Map
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Simile

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a comparison of two unlike things

Where does the word "simile" come from? It comes from Latin simile, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
simile
Latin · ancient
"like thing"
neuter of 'similis', like
2
Stage 2 of 2
simile
English · 1300s
"comparison"
literary 'similes' use 'like' or 'as'
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Read the full story

Simile’s story begins in Latin: simile meant “like thing.” Neuter of 'similis', like. It reached English by 1300s as simile. Literary 'similes' use 'like' or 'as'. Today, simile means a comparison of two unlike things.